Voting has started for the Rockford Register Star Student of the Week, Feb. 26-March 1

The nominators have done their part. Now, it's up to our readers to cast votes for who they think should be the next Rockford Register Star Student of the Week.

We asked area high schools to nominate a student for Student of the Week based on academic achievement, leadership, citizenship, character, public service and participation in clubs and activities.

This week's finalists include four students who are balancing academics and extracurricular activities and in some cases even a part-time job.

We publish a list of Student of the Week finalists every Monday at rrstar.com and every Tuesday in the Rockford Register Star. Readers can vote online as many times as they wish until noon Thursday.

Here are this week's finalists.

Ashley Ferry, Auburn

Ashley Ferry, a senior, is enrolled in the Gifted Academy at Auburn High where she ranks third in her class. She was recognized as a National Merit finalist for her performance on the SAT exam.

Ferry also is a captain and mainstay of the Lady Knights Golf and Volleyball teams at Auburn, and she participates in the HOSA Club, Model United Nations, and National Honor Society. Outside of school, she is a youth group leader for her church’s vacation Bible school. Further, she regularly volunteers at the Northern Illinois Food Bank as well as the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford. Her commitment to both academic excellence and service to others is always evident in her actions.

Nia Hodges, Guilford

Nia Hodges, a senior at Guilford High School, has a GPA over 4.0. She is an Illinois State Scholar and a member of National Honor Society.

Outside of school, Hodges is highly involved in the community. She is interning with State Representative Maurice West. She is passionate about getting youth registered to vote and is working on a project where she will go into schools and do presentations on the importance of voting.

Hodges also works at the Inzombia coffee shop in downtown Rockford and was named employee of the year in 2023. Also, she was just awarded a scholarship from Rockford Alumnae and plans to go to Howard University in Washington DC in the fall.

Johanna Rudolph, Freeport

Johanna Rudolph, a sophomore at Freeport High School, is an exemplary student who balances high academic standards with being a two-sport athlete as well as a member of the school's speech team.

The ambition and pride that she takes to be an example of success cannot be ignored. On top of her upstanding work ethic, she is an all around great person to be around. She has a great sense of humor, a huge heart full of empathy and will always help out anyone in need in her presence.

Netavia Wickson, Boylan

Netavia Wickson, a senior at Boylan Catholic High School, is described as a kind-hearted, authentic leader. She is interested in others, helpful, honest, and typically has a smile on her face.

Wickson is conscientious, diligent and engaged in the classroom. Her interpersonal skills are exceptional. She carries herself with grace and humility and brings positive energy to the classroom every day. She is also a standout athlete who qualified to compete last weekend in the IHSA Girls State Wrestling Meet.

Chris Green is a Rockford Register Star general assignment reporter. He can be reached at 815-987-1241, via email at cgreen@rrstar.com and Twitter @chrisfgreen.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Meet the finalists and vote for the Register Star Student of the Week